Banned Books Week Unit Study for a 7 year old

Art

• The child learned about censorship and how it can impact artistic expression.
• The child created their own artwork inspired by a banned book, expressing their thoughts and emotions.
• The child explored different art styles by looking at illustrations from banned books.
• The child learned about the importance of freedom of expression in art.

English Language Arts

• The child read a banned book appropriate for their age and discussed the themes and messages in the story.
• The child learned about the reasons why books are banned and had a class discussion about censorship.
• The child wrote a short essay or created a poster defending the right to read banned books.
• The child practiced their reading comprehension skills by answering questions about the banned book they read.

Foreign Language

• The child learned about censorship in different countries and how it affects access to literature in other languages.
• The child learned a few words or phrases in a foreign language from a banned book and practiced using them.
• The child compared language usage and cultural references in a banned book translated into English and its original language.
• The child discussed the importance of cultural diversity in literature and how censorship can limit it.

History

• The child learned about historical events where books were banned or burned, such as Nazi book burnings during World War II.
• The child studied the history of censorship and its impact on freedom of speech throughout different time periods.
• The child researched famous banned books from different historical eras and presented their findings to the class.
• The child discussed how books can provide valuable insights into past societies, and how banning them can limit understanding.

Math

• The child analyzed data on the number of books banned each year and created graphs or charts to represent the information.
• The child calculated the percentage of books banned out of the total number of books published in a given year.
• The child practiced their problem-solving skills by solving math word problems related to censorship and book banning.
• The child learned about the economics of book publishing and discussed how banning books can impact the industry.

Music

• The child listened to songs with lyrics that were considered controversial or banned at some point.
• The child learned about musicians and composers who faced censorship and discussed the impact on their careers.
• The child created their own song or musical composition inspired by a banned book or the concept of freedom of expression.
• The child discussed the role of music in promoting social change and the dangers of censoring artistic expression.

Physical Education

• The child participated in a discussion about the importance of intellectual freedom and how it relates to physical well-being.
• The child engaged in physical activities that encouraged teamwork and cooperation, emphasizing the importance of diverse viewpoints.
• The child learned about athletes who were banned or faced restrictions due to their political beliefs or actions.
• The child discussed the relationship between censorship and individual rights, including the right to participate in sports.

Science

• The child learned about the scientific method and how it relates to the search for truth and knowledge in books.
• The child researched scientific discoveries or theories that were initially met with resistance or censorship.
• The child conducted experiments or observations related to banned books, such as analyzing the impact of censorship on access to scientific information.
• The child discussed the importance of critical thinking and open inquiry in scientific research and how censorship can hinder progress.

Social Studies

• The child explored different cultures and societies by reading banned books from various regions of the world.
• The child discussed the concept of human rights and how censorship can violate these rights.
• The child learned about influential individuals who fought against censorship and defended the right to access information.
• The child examined the role of government in regulating or limiting access to literature and discussed the pros and cons of such measures.

Encourage the child to continue exploring banned books and the concept of censorship by organizing a book club with friends or classmates, where they can read and discuss banned books together. They can also create their own banned book display or write letters to local libraries advocating for the inclusion of banned books in their collections. Additionally, encourage the child to research and learn about other forms of censorship, such as internet censorship or censorship in the arts, to deepen their understanding of the topic.

Book Recommendations

• The Lorax by Dr. Seuss: This classic children's book explores themes of environmentalism and has been challenged for its perceived political messages.
• And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell: Based on a true story, this book tells the tale of two male penguins who adopt an egg and raise a chick together, challenging traditional gender roles and family structures.
• The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein: This beloved book has faced criticism for its portrayal of a one-sided and potentially abusive relationship between a tree and a boy.